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After leaving a note, Sakumo Hatake followed Grey Dog and departed from home.
Kakashi, who had awakened early, habitually checked Sakumo's usual note placement after washing up. Reading the message, he released a helpless sigh.
Tying on his small apron, Kakashi skillfully retrieved eggs, bread, and vegetables, preparing two simple sandwiches.
Placing the sandwiches on the table, Kakashi removed his apron and went to the bedroom to wake Feng Bai.
Still drowsy, Feng Bai followed Kakashi to the washbasin. Seeing two matching toothbrushes and cups before him, he suddenly realized—
"Here, I prepared these for you long ago." Fearing Feng Bai might instinctively grab his toothbrush, Kakashi hurriedly handed over a brand-new toiletry set.
After completing his morning routine, Feng Bai, feeling hungry, rushed to the dining table. Examining the sandwich before him, he first sniffed its aroma, then curiously inquired:
"Did Uncle Sakumo make this?"
"No, I did." Kakashi rolled his eyes, taking his seat. Suddenly remembering something, he stood again and retrieved a large carton of milk from the nearby cupboard.
How domestically capable.
Though the phrasing seemed inappropriate, Feng Bai couldn't conjure alternative words to describe Kakashi's performance.
"Will you be training later?" Accepting the milk-filled cup Kakashi offered, Feng Bai took a sip and inquired about his post-breakfast plans.
"Mm." Before Feng Bai could react, Kakashi bit into his sandwich at such speed that Feng Bai completely missed when he'd removed his mask.
Such incredible speed!
Refusing to accept defeat, Feng Bai disregarded potential hand-biting and fixed both eyes directly on Kakashi.
The result, however—
"You're maintaining such mystery even at home..." Even after Kakashi consumed his final bite, Feng Bai failed to glimpse his true appearance.
Kakashi seemed to thoroughly enjoy this sensation. Though he said nothing, his light movements revealed his current mood.
"Ah, let me help too." As a fine young man of the modern era, eating without contributing clearly contradicted Feng Bai's principles. Seeing Kakashi clearing dishes, Feng Bai quickly collected the cups.
Kakashi didn't refuse. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder on a long stool beside the sink, they cleaned the tableware together before placing items on the drying rack.
"Seems you won't need to observe my training today."
After drying his hands, Kakashi glanced toward the window, and Feng Bai curiously followed his gaze.
Aburame Ryōma's figure appeared in their line of sight, startling Feng Bai.
Since he wasn't wearing a mask, Feng Bai quickly identified him through his characteristic small sunglasses.
The insect-loving Aburame clan.
Apparently, this is the Root ninja my cheap father dispatched to collect me.
Who knows whether that old man Danzō intends to treat me like a Root member or allow me to be an ordinary ninja...
Or perhaps being a regular privileged heir wouldn't be terrible. If Danzō truly perishes confronting the Great Bridge—no, confronting Uchiha Sasuke—I could simply prostrate myself before the protagonist at light speed.
At minimum, I'd achieve a wealthy man's ending.
"Very well, let's go. Also, remember to return my clothes when convenient." Seeing Feng Bai standing motionless, Kakashi patted his shoulder.
"Ah, yes, understood. I'll wash and return them." Ceasing his wild speculation, Feng Bai harbored anxious feelings as he pushed open the door, preparing to confront his destiny.
...
Hokage's Office.
Konoha's F4 had assembled completely, seated on the sofa, while Sakumo, dressed as an ordinary jōnin, stood respectfully behind Hiruzen.
Meeting initiator Hiruzen first glanced at the eternally composed Danzō. Seeing no discernible emotion on his face, Hiruzen coughed lightly and habitually retrieved his pipe: "Recently, I dispatched two ANBU squads to Kirigakure for intelligence gathering."
"Kirigakure? Konoha has lost contact with them for considerable time—even routine diplomatic communications receive no response." Koharu Utatane's expression grew serious upon hearing Kirigakure mentioned.
"Since that Second Mizukage assumed power, Kirigakure has implemented strict secrecy protocols. Their pursuit of rogue ninja proves the most extreme among all hidden villages," Homura Mitokado concurred.
"Precisely. For this operation, two ANBU squads departed, yet only Sakumo returned alive." Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone carried melancholy—these ANBU represented forces loyal to him, making every loss deeply regrettable.
Moreover, this mission's returns fell far below his expectations.
"Hmm? Even with Konoha's White Fang personally leading, only barely escaping with his life?" Homura observed Sakumo behind the Hokage through his spectacles.
"My deepest apologies. Kirigakure's vigilance toward outsiders indeed far exceeded our imagination." Sakumo's expression also appeared somewhat dejected.
"Then what intelligence did you obtain?" Homura, accustomed to ninja casualties, didn't acknowledge or intend to address Sakumo's dejection, instead directly inquiring about the operation's gains.
"Yes, my apologies. Regrettably, regarding Kirigakure intelligence, we only confirmed their current leader is the Third Mizukage, but name, abilities, age—all remain unknown. Additionally, Kirigakure appears to have initiated official-led purges against Bloodline Limit ninja, with many possessing Kekkei Genkai suffering attacks."
"However, from our engagement, this campaign doesn't target all Bloodline Limits, as I encountered several Kekkei Genkai users participating in combat alongside Kirigakure forces."
"Cultivating forces loyal exclusively to oneself..." Placing his unlit pipe to his lips, Hiruzen Sarutobi voiced his deduction.
"Actually targeting their own village's Bloodline Limits—Kirigakure's internal conflicts must be quite intense." Homura endorsed the Hokage's assessment while somewhat comprehending such actions.
After all, their own village harbored a group of restless Bloodline Limit holders.
Nearly simultaneously, everyone present recalled that particular clan.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado coordinatedly directed their gazes toward Danzō.
Typically at such moments, Danzō would present his Uchiha Threat Theory.
However, bizarrely, despite three pairs of eyes fixed upon him, Danzō showed absolutely no intention of speaking. Instead, under their collective scrutiny, he gently lifted his teacup and took measured sips.
Is this truly Danzō?
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